Biomorph is a 2D Soulslike Metroidvania blended with base-building elements. This is one of the titles presented in Gamescom 2022’s indie showcase. Here, you play as an enigmatic ninja feline (or what appears to be one) named Harlo in search of the truth behind your origin as well as a crumbling civilization. Biomorph is developed and published by Lucid Dreams Studio, the same creator of the 2D Action-Adventure title known as Legends of Ethernal. Although both games look vastly different, their style in terms of platforming puzzles, feel cohesive and well-done. Biomorph is planned to be launched sometime in 2023 via PC and Nintendo Switch.
Biomorph Soulslike Metroidvania Reveals Action-Packed Combat Style
The official gameplay trailer of Biomorph has been released at Gamescom, just a few weeks after its initial announcement. This footage predominantly features the game’s exciting and quick combat pace, character progression, and more! Let us dive into each of these.
Biomorph Soulslike Metroidvania - The Morphing Ability and Fast-Paced Combat
In Biomorph, you not only fight horrific monsters but also take their form to make use of their powers. It is a creative spin since shapeshifting into foes will grant you abilities that you would otherwise have no access to at all. You can also reach certain areas that used to be previously inaccessible because of your newfound borrowed skills.
What’s worth mentioning here is that shapeshifting amplifies the game’s already impressive combat pace. The world learns the same way as you do, creating a simple yet interesting AI system. Every time you transform into an enemy, the same one that spawns in that area will now become upgraded versions of themselves with even more powerful abilities.
This thereby means they come back stronger to haunt you when you revisit previously explored sections, which is a staple of theMetroidvaniagenre. It is a very neat and unique idea because every fight will continue to feel fresh and challenging since the enemies become more resilient when you make the decision to inhabit their bodies.
Moreover, the trailer illustrates the different level designs of platforming puzzles together with the enemies you will be going up against. What’s immediately noticeable is how incredibly snappy these encounters are because of your character’s and the enemy’s instant response times. Not only does the gameplay look exquisitely beautiful and meticulously well-crafted but also, the combat is fast-paced and punchy, making for an invigorating experience that will surely pull in a larger audience.
The execution is impressive, regardless of whether you beat targets up close and personal or you jump over them to create sufficient distance in order to pelt them with arrows. As such, the environmental space and movement all blend well together. Plus, the music and sound effects are equally superb, letting you thoroughly enjoy the experience that Biomorph has to offer.
Let us also not forget about the wonderful art direction, which looks like Mark of the Ninja and Katana Zero mixed with streaks of the upcoming 2DAction-AdventureMetroidvania,Nine Sols, whose combat mechanics are familiar toSekirofans.
Character Progression
Character progression involves exploring about 16 various environments in a city where you’re able to improve the abilities you learn while collecting blueprints and mementos along the way. You will be fighting against bosses, either mandatory to move the story forward or optional ones, and meeting unique NPCs.
Weapons are as varied as they can be, meaning, you will have access to both melee and ranged options, each with their corresponding skill trees to enhance. This lets you create multiple builds by experimenting with them and their associated skills. Rather than going for a system, which involves multiple classes with different playstyles, Biomorph seems to feature one where the player is entirely responsible for how they wish to create their character.
Base-Building Elements
In addition to your morphing ability, Biomorph will let you rebuild the City of Blightmoor as you get to know its citizens and the town a bit better each time. The design decision by Lucid Dreams Studio reminds me of Spiritfarer, an emotional and story-rich management game where you build and improve your boat from scratch.
More resources become available when you meet and care for your friends who are about to transcend into the afterlife. And to make them feel comfortable before they go, you create their rooms. It remains to be seen how such resources will be gathered in Biomorph, that is, if they only correspond to blueprints or if there are special objectives you must complete beforehand.
For more Gamescom 2022 coverage, you can check outGord Gameplay Footage Reveals Survival Elements and Combat MechanicsandWo Long: Fallen Dynasty Gameplay Trailer Shows Off The Game’s Fast-Paced Action Combat.
